IAHD Courses for the Disabled

Scuba diving offers a whole new World of experiences for us all, but this is all the more true for those with disabilities. Scuba diving is one of the most accessible sports for disabled people. From the first moment that you enter the underwater environment, there is a feeling of well-being. In this totally different world, there is a feeling of freedom, weightless and safety. One moment at the waters edge, the next at one with the underwater world.Many disabled people experience scuba diving as a therapy. During the dive, physical restrictions are forgotten and in some cases, there is even relief from pain and discomfort. Scuba diving can help people rehabilitate. It can have a positive effect on the mental state because the physical and mental experience underwater is the same for both able-bodied and disabled people.Many disabled divers are able to meet the certification requirements of a mainstream scuba diving course, but for others additional adaptive techniques and approaches are required to make scuba diving comfortable and enjoyable.

All of our Instructors are fully trained through the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) to offer specialist programs for those with physical and (minor) mental disabilities here in Telford Shropshire. We also offer IAHD Dive Partner, Instructor Assistant and Instructor courses for those wishing to qualify to work with disabled divers. IAHD is an ISO certified and internationally recognised diving organization that is specialised in training disabled people to dive. To increase the safety of recreational diving, dives are always carried out with at least two divers. IAHD also has a “Partner-Level” certification. This enables almost everybody to become an internationally certified diver. Dependent on the degree of disability, the number of divers escorting a disabled diver can be increased to 2, 3 or even 4.

Because at Immerse School of Diving we teach in small intimate groups, and at your own pace, we believe the level and quality of training and support which you receive is second to none. We are based in Telford, Shropshire. You can train right here in the UK, or join us on one of our trips abroad if you prefer. Only have time to dive mid week? No problem! Because we are a full time diving school we have the flexibility to work around your schedule and at your pace. Learn more about us, or read our testimonials.Feel free tocontact usto discuss any of your questions, and we'll be very happy to help.KNOW WHICH COURSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK ALREADY? THEN GO STRAIGHT TOBOOKING YOUR COURSE.

IAHD Pirate Fish Diver

This program is developed for both children and adults with mental disabilities, who want to learn to dive and experience freedom of movement underwater in a swimming pool. The various dive skills are learnt in a playful manner using challenging, but fun, exercises. Upon completion of the course, the certified Pirate Fish Diver is not a fully-fledged diver. For this the Open Water Diver or Confined Water Diver course must be completed.The IAHD Pirate Fish Diver course is comprised of the following modules:Theory knowledge: The amount of theory that is covered during this course is dependant on the mental capacity of the trainee. The IAHD Pirate Fish Diver course is not a complete dive course, but a programme which can be adapted to suit the abilities of each individual trainee. The IAHD Instructor can convey the amount of knowledge that he or she feels appropriate for the trainee.Practical Skills: In this part of the course, the trainee will, together with an IAHD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool to search for the Pirate Fish treasure. The Pirate Fish Diver will follow 6 (dive) assignments to find clues as to the whereabouts of the treasure.Pre-requisites: Minimum of 12 years of age (or the mental capacity of a 12-year old); competent swimmer; Medical Statement signed by a physician and no more than one year old; and a signed Certificate of Understanding.Authorised to: Carry out non-decompression dives using scuba equipment in a swimming pool; dive to a maximum of 2 metres; only dive in a swimming pool under the direct supervision of a IAHD Instructor Assistant or higher in active status.If it sounds like this course is for you, book onto your IAHD Pirate Fish Diver course here!

IAHD Confined Water Diver

The IAHD Confined Water Diver course is developed for people with physical or minor mental disabilities, who want to learn to dive but cannot, or do not want to dive in open water. On completion of the course, the you will be certified to dive in a swimming pool or comparable confined water environment.The theory and swimming pool dive skills are identical to
those of the Open Water Course, but dives are only made in a swimming pool or
confined water. No open water dives are made. On completion of the course, the
diver is certified to dive in a swimming pool or comparable confined water
environment.
The IAHD Confined Water Diver course is comprised of the
following modules:Theory Knowledge: In this section you learn how dive equipment works and what
requirements dive equipment must meet. You are also taught how the body reacts
in an underwater environment and of course, safety both underwater and at the
waters edge is covered in detail.Practical Skills: In this section you will, together with an Instructor, dive
in a swimming pool or confined water to learn how to use dive equipment and how
to behave in an underwater environment.Confined Water Skills: In this section, you will demonstrate that you
can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Under guidance of
an IAHD Instructor in a confined water environment, you will repeat the
skills that were learnt during the 'Practical Skills' section. You will
experience the freedom and weightlessness of the breath-taking underwater
world.Pre-requisites: Minimum 12 years of age; competent swimmer; Medical Statement approved by a physician and no more than one
year old; signed Certificate of Understanding.Authorised to: Carry out non-decompression dives using scuba equipment; dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres; only dive under the direct supervision of an IAHD Instructor
Assistant or higher in active status.If it sounds like this course is for you, book onto your IAHD Confined Water Diver course here!

IAHD Open Water Diver

The IAHD Open Water Diver course is designed to teach people with physical or minor mental disabilities, the theory and dive skills needed to dive safely in an open water environment.All exercises focus on correct and safe execution of the
skills required to meet the learning objectives. Because all divers with
physical or (minor) mental disabilities have varying levels of ability, each
course is tailored to meet the needs of individual participants.The IAHD Open Water Diver course is comprised of the
following modules:Theory Knowledge: In this section, you will learn how dive equipment
functions and what the minimum requirements are. In addition, you will
learn the effects of an underwater environment on the body and what the time
and depth limits are, which must be adhered to in order to dive safely. Safety
aspects, on the surface, at the waters edge and underwater are covered in
detail.Practical Skills: In this section the you will, together with an IAHD
Instructor, dive in a swimming pool or confined water to learn how to use dive
equipment and how to behave in an underwater environment.Open Water Skills: In this section, you will demonstrate that he or she
can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Under guidance of
an IAHD instructor in an open water environment, you will repeat the
skills that were learnt during the Practical Skills' section. You will
experience the freedom and weightlessness of the breath-taking underwater
world.Pre-requisites: Minimum 14 years of age; competent swimmer; Medical Statement approved by a physician and no more than one
year old; and a signed Certificate of Understanding.Authorised to: Carry out non-decompression dives using scuba equipment; dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres; and dive together with other divers (dependant upon the
partner level).For IAHD divers certified as a Confined Water Diver, you can complete an upgrade course to become an Open
Water Diver.If it sounds like this course is for you, book onto your IAHD Open Water Diver course here!

IAHD Dive Partner

The IAHD Dive Partner course is an advanced course
specifically developed to train certified (Rescue) divers to supervise divers
with physical or mental disabilities.The IAHD “Dive Partner” course is comprised of the following
modules:Theory Knowledge: In this module you learn about the various types of handicap
and the related physiological effects. You also learn how to signal for
instance to a blind diver. Various aids and medical-related situations are also
covered.Practical Skills: In this module, during several dives, you learn the correct
procedures for diving with disabled divers and how enter and exit the water
with a disabled diver. You also learn more about dive planning and emergency
procedures.Pre-requisites: Minimum 16 years of age; CPR and First Aid certified; emergency oxygen provider certified; certified Rescue Diver; at least 40 logged dives (excluding training dives); Medical Statement approved by a physician (no more than one
year old); and a signed Certificate of Understanding.Authorised to: Assist divers with a physical or mental disability at the
waters edge; Assemble and de-assemble scuba sets for divers with a physical
or mental disability; and dive with divers with a physical or mental disability.If it sounds like this course is for you, book onto your IAHD Dive Partner course here!

IAHD Instructor Assistant

The IAHD Instructor Assistant course is the first
professional certification in the IAHD range of courses. Following successful
completion of this course, an IAHD Instructor Assistant’may assist an IAHD
Instructor during courses and may also independently run ‘Scuba Experience’
sessions.During this course, medical-related issues that may be
encountered when training a person with physical or mental disabilities are covered
in detail. Trainees are also taught how to run ‘Scuba Experience’ sessions and
how to escort divers with physical or mental disabilities.An IAHD Instructor Assistant is a highly regarded
professional who can escort divers with physical or mental disabilities
throughout the World.Pre-requisites: Minimum 18 years of age; competent swimmer; Medical Statement approved by a physician (no more than one
year old); signed Certificate of Understanding; signed IAHD Licence Agreement; at least 60 logged dives (excluding training dives); certified Rescue Diver, Underwater Navigator, Night Diver, Deep Diver, and Equipment Specialist; CPR and First Aid certified; and emergency oxygen provider certified. Authorised to: Carry out non-decompression dives using scuba equipment; dive to a maximum depth of 40 metres; escort divers with physical or mental disabilities; run 'Scuba experience' sessions; assist an IAHD Instructor.If it sounds like this course is for you, book onto your IAHD Instructor Assistant course here!

IAHD Surface Support Specialist

This training program has been developed for both divers and
non-dive who intend to assist divers with a physical or mental disability, at
the waters edge.Divers with physical or mental disabilities are often
accompanied by friends or family members, who bring them and their equipment to
and from the dive site, help them kit-up, etc.After following this program, non-divers may actively participate in
dive planning and help other divers, performing useful and enjoyable tasks.
Following the dive, the IAHD diver and the Surface Support Specialist can
discuss the dive and share their experiences.The IAHD “Surface Support Specialist” course is comprised of
the following modules:Theory Knowledge: In this module you learn about the various items of dive
equipment, including how they function and how a scuba set should be assembled.
In addition, you learn how to plan dives. Various aids and medical-related
situations are also covered.Practical Skills: In this module you learn how to help a diver with a physical
or mental disability, to enter and exit the water. You also learn more about
dive planning and emergency procedures.Pre-requisites: Minimum 16 years of age; competent swimmer. Additionally, the following is recommended: First Aid and CPR certification; medical oxygen
administering certification.Authorised to: Assist divers with a physical or mental disability at the
waters edge; assemble and de-assemble scuba sets for divers with a
physical or mental disability. If it sounds like this course is for you, book onto your IAHD Surface Support Specialist course here!